Undergraduate Elementary Education with Spanish Endorsement Program

Elementary Majors and Minor

The comprehensive science and arts for teaching (CSAT) major is designed for students seeking certification to teach in specialized areas at the elementary and/or middle school levels. It provides a solid foundation in subject-matter knowledge and pedagogical approaches across all content areas taught at these levels: fine arts, health and physical education, integrated science, language arts, mathematics, and social studies. Students complete several field experiences in classrooms, as well as learn to plan instruction and assessments and to understand and work with diverse populations, including extraordinary-needs learners. Our graduates have a unique combination of skills and experiences that are highly valued. Students will meet with a CSAT major advisor in the CLAS advising center, as well as a College of Education advisor.

In addition to degree requirements, general education candidates must complete the CSAT major, elementary general education major, and the Spanish minor. Prior to beginning in the College of Education, students are expected to complete most courses in general education and the CSAT major (except SAT 495). In addition, they must complete the College of Education prerequisite courses EDF 315, PSY 301, and EDI 337.

Through completing this program and other certification requirements, candidates earn a Michigan elementary teacher certification and a Spanish endorsement. Completers are eligible to teach in the following grades and subjects:

All subjects, grades K-5

All subjects, grades K-8 in a self-contained classroom

Spanish, grades 6-8

Requirements for the Comprehensive Science and Arts for Teaching (CSAT) Major

The 46-credit CSAT major must be planned with the student's CSAT advisor. It consists of the following courses:

Requirements for Elementary Education Major

Candidates must complete the following 39-credit education major. At least one field semester must be done in a multicultural setting.

Prior to Admission to Undergraduate Teacher Education

EDF 315 - Diverse Perspectives on Education, Credits: 3

EDI 337 - Introduction to Learning and Assessment, Credits: 3

PSY 301 - Child Development, Credits: 3

Flex Course 1 - This course is taken before OR after admission to the College of Education.It must be completed before student teaching.

EDS 378 - Universal Design for Learning: Elementary, Credits: 3

Flex Course 2 - This course is taken after admission to the College of Education. It must be completed before student teaching.

EDT 370 - Technology in Education, Credits: 3

Teacher Assistant Semester:

EDI 310 - Organizing and Managing Classroom Environments, Credits: 3

EDI 330 - Teacher Assisting - Elementary, Credits: 5

EDR 320 - Reading: Assessment and Instruction, Credits: 3

Student Teaching Semester:

EDF 485 - The Context of Educational Issues, Credits: 3 (may be taken after EDI 430 but before certification)

EDI 430 - Student Teaching, Elementary, Credits: 10

Requirements for a Spanish Elementary Education Minor

Students choosing Spanish as a teachable minor for elementary education certification (in conjunction with the comprehensive science and arts for teaching major) must complete 27 credits including:

SPA 309 - Advanced Spanish Grammar Credits: 3

Select two of the following courses:

SPA 310 - Spanish Civilization and Culture Credits: 3

SPA 311 - Latin American Civilization and Culture I Credits: 3

SPA 312 - Latin American Civilization and Culture II Credits: 3

Select one of the following courses:

SPA 313 - U.S. Latino/a Civilization and Culture Credits: 3

SPA 329 - Sociolinguistics of Spanish Credits: 3

SPA 331 - Survey of Spanish Literature Credits: 3

SPA 332 - Survey of Spanish American Literature Credits: 3

SPA 314 - Teaching Methods Credits: 3

SPA 321 - Composition and Conversation I Credits: 3

SPA 322 - Composition and Conversation II Credits: 3

SPA 335 - Introduction to Spanish Linguistics Credits: 3

SPA 395 - Advanced Speaking Strategies and Skills Credits: 3

A student who wishes to complete the Spanish elementary education minor must also complete the comprehensive science and arts for teaching (CSAT) major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the elementary education major in the College of Education. Due to the complex and extensive nature of the combined programs, minors in Spanish elementary education should consult regularly with both CSAT and Spanish advisors.

It is a requirement of the Michigan Department of Education and Grand Valley’s College of Education that teacher candidates achieve the advanced low level on the oral proficiency interview (OPI) in Spanish before student teaching. Students interested in teaching in immersion or dual language programs should plan to develop advanced high oral proficiency. Information sessions on the OPI and other requirements for certification are provided regularly, but students should work closely with an advisor in Spanish. Students are urged to meet with a Spanish advisor as early as possible in their program and strongly encouraged to study abroad for at least one semester. Credits for SPA 101, 102, 150, 201, 202, 203, or 204 will not be counted toward the major or minor.